92pts Vinous

The 2018 Barolo Le Coste di Monforte is a gentle, surprisingly open-knit wine from a site where Barolos tend to show quite a bit more muscle. Then again, this is 2018. Effusive floral and spice aromatics meld into a core of sweet red-fleshed fruit. Orange peel, cinnamon and rose petal lift the bright, vibrant finish very nicely. The 2018 is impeccably done. Drinking window 2023-2030.

Jancis Robinson

Monforte d'Alba. Just mid ruby. A perfumed cherry fruit nose loaded with spice. Supple and elegant and focused cherry and ripe red fruit. Long powdery tannins clinging to the fruit. Great length. Hugely pleasurable. 17/20.

Winemaker Notes

Le Coste is a relatively new Barolo that Massimo Benevelli crafts from a little parcel a stone’s throw from his winery, the family home, and the adjacent trattoria where his sister concocts authentic renditions of local dishes. A charming contrast to the big, dense, tannic Barolos Monforte d’Alba is best known for, Le Coste is all about delicacy, finesse, and high-toned Nebbiolo fruit accented by perfumy floral notes. While Massimo’s Ravera and Mosconi bottlings strike a deeper register and should be cellared, this cru serves up all its nuances for our enjoyment right now and over the next several years. It would be perfectly at home next to a plate of his sister’s agnolotti, or perhaps a hearty braise at casa tua.